National Robotics Week 2013 and NASA to Take STEM Out of This World

More than 125 robotics-based events, demonstrations and workshops planned in 50 states to inspire the next generation of innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The fourth annual National Robotics Week, April 6-14, 2013, will bring together engineers, scientists, students and families to share a passion for technology and learning. Working with NASA and iRobot, the National Robotics Week Advisory Council will debut inspirational videos and content at events around the country in a push to excite the next generation of innovators about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). A NASA video featuring Bobak Ferdowsi, NASA's "Mohawk Guy" and flight director for Mars rover Curiosity, along with content focusing on other NASA role models will premiere at science centers, museums and robot events across the country.

Colin Angle, CEO and co-founder of iRobot, discusses robotics with students from the Boston area during National Robotics Week - Lipofsky Photography

More than 125 robot events across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico are planned by robotics industry leaders, institutions and universities, including iRobot, Stanford University, the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry, and Michigan Robotics. According to the STEMconnector's 2012 annual report, "Where are the STEM Students?" science and engineering occupations are expected to grow at double the rate (20.6 percent) of the overall United States labor force (10.1 percent) through 2018, making STEM education not just important for individual students but a critical path for the entire U.S. economy.

Michigan Celebrates National Robotics Week, National Center for Manufacturing Sciences/ U Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (April 15, 2013, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm CT) - Michigan, fast becoming a hub for technology growth, will host area companies to show off how the region will help shape the robotics industry.

MSI Robot Block Party, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL (April 6-14, 2013, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm CT) - The Museum is going robot crazy again and they're inviting you to join the fun! MSI will demonstrate several robots from both the U.S. and Japan, offer lectures from top university scholars and hold special workshops and hands-on activities.

"National Robotics Week celebrates the many ways robots can improve our lives — they clean homes, protect our loved ones, save lives in hospitals and perform important research throughout the Universe," said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. "iRobot is proud to have been a part of the National Robotics Week initiative from the beginning and is excited to find new ways to share our passion for technology with students and educators alike."

Congress established National Robotics Week in 2010 to raise awareness about robots and their important role in shaping the future of education, industry and the U.S. economy. As a founding co-sponsor of National Robotics Week, iRobot actively promotes technology education through its own outreach initiatives, including Starter Programs for the Advancement of Robotics Knowledge (SPARK). SPARK uses the wonder and genius of robots to elevate K-12 students' interest in STEM subjects.

The NRWAC's goal is to recognize robotics technology as a pillar of 21st century American innovation, highlighting its growing importance in a wide variety of application areas and emphasizing its ability to inspire technology education.

The National Robotics Week Advisory Council is organized by iRobot Corp. (NAS: IRBT) , along with a number of other companies, universities and organizations including: the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI); AUVSI Foundation; Autodesk; Boy Scouts of America, Bleeker the Rechargeable Dog, Carnegie Mellon University; Expo21XX; FIRST®(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology); Georgia Institute Of Technology; Infamous Robotics; Instructables; King Features Syndicate, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council; Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago; National Center for Manufacturing Sciences; National Girls Collaborative Project; Robotic Industries Association (RIA); RoboGames; Stanford Center for Internet and Society; The Tech Museum; University of Massachusetts Lowell; Worcester Polytechnic Institute.